NLR Bicycle Resources

Arkansas' Three-Feet Bicycle Passing Law

In January 2013, North Little Rock developed a public awareness campaign about Arkansas’ 3-feet passing law, which requires motorists to leave at least 3 feet of space between their vehicle and the cyclist they are passing.

Arkansas Code of 1987, Annotated, as amended (2007) 27-51-311. Overtaking a bicycle. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three (3) feet and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. (b) (1) A person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100). (2) A person who violates this section with the violation resulting in a collision causing death or serious physical injury to the person operating the overtaken bicycle shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000) in addition to any other penalties prescribed by law.

NLR Bike Laws and Ordinances

The League of American Bicyclists’ recommends that “cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.” Cyclists must obey traffic laws and ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. By following traffic laws, a cyclist will be predictable to other cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.

It is also important for a cyclist to be visible. While reflectors are nice, white front lights and red rear lights are necessary for the roadway and the trails.

Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is dangerous for adults, and it is against City ordinance in NLR and in many business districts in other cities. You can find more information about NLR ordinances, Arkansas laws, and surrounding city ordinances from this list compiled from Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas.

Bike Education

Do you know all you need to know to safely ride a bike with traffic? Do you feel you know enough to teach your children how to ride cautiously and conspicuously while on their own? When you drive your car, are you confident on how to share the road with people on bikes?

The Smart Cycling program gives you the tips, tools, and techniques to confidently to answer YES to each question. Check out the links below for resources. Contact fit2live@nlr.ar.gov if you're intersted in hosting a Smart Cycling class for your organization or workplace.

Free Bike Racks for NLR Businesses and Organizations

Fit 2 Live has bicycle racks available for public use. They can be installed in front of businesses and community organizations to allow customers and the public to park their bikes safely. Racks must be installed on a concrete surface and will be installed free of charge by the NLR Street Department.

Businesses and organizations wishing to have bike racks installed must sign a Joint Use Agreement with Fit 2 Live guaranteeing public access to the racks. Racks must be installed according to installation guidelines to ensure bikes have enough space and do not interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic.